Don vs. Doff — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Urooj Arif — Updated on April 14, 2024
Don involves putting on clothing or accessories, whereas doff means to remove them, reflecting opposite actions in dressing.
Difference Between Don and Doff
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
To don is to put on an item of clothing or accessory, typically used in formal or literary contexts. Whereas, doff is used to describe the action of removing clothing or accessories, often in a similarly formal or poetic manner.
When someone dons an item, they are usually preparing for an event or activity, implying a readiness or formality. On the other hand, doffing an item suggests relaxation or the conclusion of an event, as it involves taking off garments or gear.
Donning often requires more care and is associated with positive preparation, such as donning a suit or a uniform. In contrast, doffing can signify relief or end of duty, such as doffing one's hat or shoes after a long day.
The term "don" can also imply respect or authority when used in phrases like "donning the mantle," suggesting taking on a role or duty. Whereas doffing can indicate a return to comfort or informality, such as in "doffing one's formal attire."
In historical contexts, "don" and "doff" are remnants of Old English, with "don" coming from "do on" and "doff" from "do off," highlighting their origins and uses in English literature and formal speech.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
To put on clothing
To remove clothing
Context
Formal, preparatory
Formal, concluding
Associated Actions
Preparing, dressing up
Relaxing, undressing
Connotation
Readiness, authority
Relief, informality
Origin
From "do on"
From "do off"
Compare with Definitions
Don
To assume or take on.
She donned the role of director.
Doff
To strip or divest.
She doffed the bed linens for washing.
Don
To put an article of clothing.
He donned his coat and hat.
Doff
To throw off, shake off.
The dog doffed the water from its coat.
Don
To equip oneself with.
They donned helmets before riding.
Doff
To remove an article of clothing.
He doffed his shoes at the door.
Don
To adorn oneself with.
She donned her grandmother’s necklace.
Doff
To take off a hat as a greeting or respect.
He doffed his cap to the audience.
Don
To dress oneself in.
He donned his best suit for the interview.
Doff
To rid oneself of something.
He doffed his worries at the vacation start.
Don
Don (also dōn) Used as a courtesy title before the name of a man in a Spanish-speaking area.
Doff
To take off; remove
Doff one's clothes.
Don
A head, tutor, or fellow at a college of Oxford or Cambridge.
Doff
To tip or remove (one's hat) in salutation.
Don
A college or university professor.
Doff
To put aside; discard.
Don
The leader of an organized-crime family.
Doff
(clothing) To remove or take off (something such as clothing).
Don#Etymology 2
Don
(Archaic) An important personage.
Doff
To remove or tip a hat, as in greeting, salutation or as a mark of respect.
The rustics doffed their hats at the clergy.
Don
To put on (clothing or an ornament, for example)
Donned long gloves for the costume party.
Don clown make-up for the performance.
Doff
To get rid of, to throw off.
Doff that stupid idea: it would never work.
Don
To assume or take on
Donned the air of the injured party.
Doff
(reflexive) To strip; to divest; to undress.
Don
A university professor, particularly one at Oxford or Cambridge.
Doff
To put off, as dress; to divest one's self of; hence, figuratively, to put or thrust away; to rid one's self of.
And made us doff our easy robes of peace.
At night, or in the rain,He dons a surcoat which he doffs at morn.
Don
An employee of a university residence who lives among the student residents.
Doff
To strip; to divest; to undress.
Heaven's King, who doffs himself our flesh to wear.
Don
A mafia boss.
Doff
To put off dress; to take off the hat.
Don
(MLE) Any man, bloke, dude.
Doff
Remove;
He doffed his hat
Don
(transitive) To put on clothing; to dress (oneself) in an article of personal attire.
To don one's clothes.
Don
Sir; Mr; Signior; - a title in Spain, formerly given to noblemen and gentlemen only, but now common to all classes.
Don is used in Italy, though not so much as in Spain. France talks of Dom Calmet, England of Dan Lydgate.
Don
A grand personage, or one making pretension to consequence; especially, the head of a college, or one of the fellows at the English universities.
Don
To put on; to dress in; to invest one's self with.
Should I don this robe and trouble you.
At night, or in the rain,He dons a surcoat which he doffs at morn.
Don
A Spanish title of respect for a gentleman or nobleman
Don
Teacher at a university of college (especially at Cambridge or Oxford)
Don
The head of an organized crime family
Don
Celtic goddess; mother of Gwydion and Arianrhod; corresponds to Irish Danu
Don
A European river in southwestern Russia; flows into the Sea of Azov
Don
Put clothing on one's body;
What should I wear today?
He put on his best suit for the wedding
The princess donned a long blue dress
The queen assumed the stately robes
He got into his jeans
Common Curiosities
What does it mean to don something?
To don something means to put it on, typically referring to clothing or accessories.
What does doff mean in a greeting?
To doff means to remove one’s hat as a gesture of respect or greeting.
Can don be used figuratively?
Yes, don can be used figuratively to mean taking on roles or responsibilities.
Are there any expressions or idioms involving "don"?
Yes, expressions like "don the mantle" use "don" to describe assuming a significant responsibility or role.
In what settings is "doff" most appropriately used?
"Doff" is most appropriate in formal settings or in written English, particularly when describing traditional or respectful actions.
Is "don" commonly used in everyday conversation?
"Don" is less common in casual conversation and more typical in formal or literary contexts.
What are the synonyms for "doff"?
Synonyms for "doff" include "take off," "remove," "shed," and "discard," depending on the context.
Is doff only used for hats?
No, while traditionally associated with hats, doff can be used for removing any type of clothing or gear.
How are don and doff used in literature?
Both terms are used in literary or formal contexts, often to convey a character’s actions or etiquette.
What is the opposite of "doff"?
The opposite of "doff" is "don," which means to put on clothing or accessories, as opposed to taking them off.
Does "doff" have any specific historical significance?
Historically, "doff" was used more frequently when hat tipping was a common social etiquette to show respect or acknowledgment.
Are there any synonyms for "don" that are more commonly used today?
More commonly used synonyms for "don" include "put on," "wear," or "dress in."
Can "don" imply a temporary action?
Yes, "don" can imply a temporary action, especially when referring to clothing or roles taken on for a specific occasion or duration.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
